New Character Introductions

Krish ( AI Generated Image of what my character would look like )

Varun ( AI Generated Image )

I boarded the flight, exchanged emotional goodbyes with my dad and sister, and promised Tyler that we'd stay in touch. I asked him to keep me updated on college life so I could live it vicariously through his experiences. After landing in Chennai, India, I called my grandmother to let her know I had arrived. Grandma informed me that Grandpa was waiting at the airport to pick me up. Carrying my bags, I walked out of the airport.

A voice called out, "Veena," from behind.

I turned to see a tall guy in a flannel shirt and gray trousers waving at me. Did he just call me?

"Don't remember me? I'm your cousin, Krish."

He looked different from my memories. "Oh, I... It's been 10 years," I stammered.

"It's okay. You've grown so tall, I wouldn't recognize you either," he said, patting my head. I asked about Grandpa, and Krish explained that he was waiting in the car to spare his legs the walk.

As we walked towards the car, Grandpa greeted me excitedly. Tears flowed as emotions surged between us. I asked, "How are you, thatha?"

"I'm fine, kutti. How's your daddy and sister doing?"

"They're fine, thatha. They were so sad they couldn't come."

"Your father? He always finds reasons not to come here. He took my daughter away and I couldn't see her..."

"Thatha," Krish interjected, cautioning him. Krish suggested we get in the car, promising to catch up at home.

"Okay", I said trying to lift my bags.

"Leave them there. I'll load them."

"No, it's okay. I can do it myself.", I said lifting the bags and loading them into the trunk as he watched me with folding hands. I was certain he was amused by this. He was secretly sneering at my clumsy and vain attempts.

During the ride, Krish and Grandpa updated me on how Chennai had changed. I didn't recall much from my previous visit except for the beach, which Krish promised to take me to soon. His hair fluttered in the salty breeze that swept across our faces and I couldn't dare but notice. I continued to admire him from his side, and he almost caught me staring at him.

As we left Chennai behind and ventured deeper into Tamil Nadu, the cityscape gradually transformed into a picturesque rural landscape reminiscent of Neyveli. The journey was a blend of awe and nostalgia, filled with charming sights. We encountered small villages with colorful houses and lush green fields. Along the way, we indulged in freshly harvested coconut drinks, quenching our thirst with their sweet, refreshing taste. Street vendors dotted the highway, offering tempting treats like jackfruit and spiced raw mangoes, their vibrant colors and flavors a delightful surprise at every stop.

After a four-hour drive, we reached our village. I learned that Krish ran a dairy business there and lived nearby. I also looked forward to meeting Varun, Krish's younger brother, who lived in Chennai and was close to my age.

Upon arriving at the house, I noticed several changes—newly painted walls, a thriving little tree I had planted, an expanded greenhouse, and more cars in front. The festive atmosphere made me think it was for my arrival, but I couldn't be more mistaken.

As I stepped out of the car, Grandma approached with the support of her walking stick, and Krish's mother, my aunt, held an aarti plate. I recalled this Indian tradition that was meant to cleanse negative energy. My aunt hugged me with tears in her eyes.

"Veena, how have you been?" my aunt asked.

"I'm good, periyamma. How are you? How's uncle and Varun?"

"We're good, dear. They're inside; let's go meet them.", my heart skipped a beat when I realized I was going to meet Varun. I faintly remembered him, but I had no idea how he looked now. I was just too excited by the idea of him.

Grandma slowly approached, and I went to touch her feet, but Grandma pulled me up for a tight hug, her eyes filled with emotion.

"How are you, paatti?"

"I'm so happy to see you, kutti. Do you even know how long it's been since I've seen you?"

"Eleven years next month, I guess," I admitted with a hint of shame.

"Only now do you remember thatha and paatti. Huh?"

"No, it's not..."

"Paatti, why don't we go inside and talk," Krish suggested, saving me from an uncomfortable conversation. I noticed that there was an underlying tension in their interactions, and I couldn't help but feel that something significant was happening related to my family in California.

I followed everyone into the house. The interior was a mix of old and new. The familiar furniture from my childhood coexisted with modern appliances and decorations. It felt like a bridge between the past and the present.

My uncle, Varun, and a few other relatives I barely recognized were sitting in the living room. When they saw me, their faces lit up with happiness. I hugged my uncle and then turned to Varun. He had grown into a tall and lanky young man with a friendly smile. He looked so much cleaner and smarter than his brother, wearing a clean gray shirt tucked into his blue jeans.

"Hi," Varun said, with a huge smile on his face.

"Hi Varun", I said, trying to go in for a hug. Instead, he put his hand out to shake my hand. I got embarrassed and tried to shake his hand, when he came in to hug me. It got so awkward and we laughed it out.

"When did you become so tall?"

"When did you start wearing pants?", I said, poking him on the arm.

"Ooh. BURNED"

"Haha. Just kidding. How are you?"

"I'm great"

"Are you guys talking about me?", Krish interrupted.

"Yeah. You wish". I was smirking on the inside. Was I too loud?

We all sat down, and my grandmother insisted on making me a cup of her special filter coffee. As we sipped our coffee, the conversation turned to family and catching up on each other's lives.

My grandfather, whom I affectionately called "thatha" showed me around the house and the banana plantation behind, and promised to show me the many acres of farm land tomorrow, when the sun is down. When I started talking about my interest in physics and that I was going to my dream college next semester, my uncle had a weird look on his face, while looking at Krish. It was evident that they were not very proud of Krish's business. He soon started talking about how Varun was a school topper and secured admission in one of the top colleges in Chennai. Varun talked about his work college and city life and how it was very different from the village he grew up on. In that moment, I noticed Krish's face, his usual smirk had been removed from his face. I felt sorry for him, and I wanted to hear his side of the story, but I wasn't sure if he was ready to open up about it with me.

Later that night, after a hearty South Indian dinner, I lay in my old family room, which had been prepared for my stay. Memories from my childhood flooded back as I stood across the window, which blew cold air across my face. I vividly remember the sight across from that window, when I used to wake up in the morning. I was eagerly waiting to see that visual when I woke up the next day.

As I lay in my bed, I could hear voices from outside. I could see my grandfather, uncle and a few other men talking around the backyard, talking tensely about something.  I began to sense that something was amiss. There were veiled references to my father and his decisions, but no one directly addressed the issue. It left me feeling uneasy and confused.

I couldn't help but wonder what was happening with my family in California, especially my father and sister. I knew I had promised to stay in touch with Tyler and keep up with college life through him, but now, it felt like I was worlds away from my previous life.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the feeling that my journey to India was not just about connecting with my past; it was also about unraveling the mysteries of my family's present and understanding the truth behind the unspoken tensions that surrounded me.

How are you liking the story so far?

Please do read, comment and drop a VOTE so I could continue to deliver much stuff like this. Also, I'm looking for constructive criticism, drop it in the comment box, don't be a silent reader :p

P.S. Sharing my love for Chennai ♥️ (you're always in my heart )